Review: Lt Nic

Surrounding the corner of Lonsdale and Swanston street, I thought the only shops that could survive were nameless sushi huts, cheap clothes stores (the ones you enter thinking that everything is really nice and realise very suddenly and painfully that this isn't the case), and the indestructible 7/11. However, hiding amongst all this, is something very magical that you won't want to forget or ignore.

A large salad box ($10, a small is $8). From left to right: THE RONIN - Japanese pumpkin, chickpea, semi-dried tomatoes, broccoli, feta and basil, TABOULEH THE GREAT - Tabouleh, rosemary roasted beetroot and crispy chickpea, and my favourite, LONG LIVE THE KING - Spicy glass noodles with prawn, green beans, bean sprout and coriander. Made for a very happy customer. 

On my way home early from uni, I decided to check out this hidden cafe, whose existence was only revealed by an understated white sign. I ended up bussing to a park near my house and having a picnic for lunch, because it was too nice of a day to waste as the Melbourne winter approaches.

It's tiny and modest, only distinguishable by this sign and it's grey slate modern shopfront. Inside, you're bathed in a sea of wood and white minimal design and, past an impressive coffee machine set up (they serve an interesting new blend called "Rumble") to an array of delicious takeaway options.

The concept behind the food here is simple: choose a sandwich, salad, or sweet. If you're really hungry or feeling a little indecisive, then you can grab the lunchbox deal: one of each for $15. The sandwiches are rotated on a regular basis so each visit you'll be met with a new surprise and you can order more than one salad if you're intrigued by a few of the interesting combinations. The sweets range from naughty to nice, depending on how far into your diet you are. They also have a breakfast selection of food to go with your coffee if you're around early.

The guy suggested this straight off the bat: dark chocolate and salted caramel lamington. How could I resist?

It was soft and moist and melted in my mouth, everything a good lamington should be.

Look at that gooey caramel.  

The other thing here that's simple is the quality. Top produce makes for undeniably good flavours and fresh tastes, and if you get more than one salad in your box, the flavours constantly swap around, keeping you entertained and satisfied throughout the whole meal. Also the portions are generous, so you're definitely getting bang for you buck.

The staff are warm and friendly and are more than willing to spark up a conversation, not bothered by how long you take to make your decision (and trust me, with overwhelming colours and shapes you'll be presented with, it might take you a while) as well as give their own recommendations on what they think will please you best.

Love the minimalistic packaging. 

Even better, eating here not only makes for a happy tummy, but also a happy environment. All the packaging (which is already very aesthetically pleasing) boasts being made from recycled fibres and being 100% biodegradable - so please recycle or compost once you're done with your meal!

Get ready to stand and report to the new Lieutenant in town - and here's hoping that it's here to stay to brighten up the Lonsdale block.

Lt Nic
262 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
9013 3883

Hours:
Mon - Fri: 7:30am to 4pm

Website:
http://www.ltnic.com.au/